Board of Trustees
& SBEA Staff
South Bend Education Alliance Board of Trustees
Jory Fitzgerald, President
Miguel Salazar, Vice-President
Stephen Luecke, Secretary
Jason Whitmer, Treasurer
Tim Baker
Alex Bowman
Estephanie Contreras
Julie Curtis
Sharon Jones
Kate Lee*
Linda Lucy*
Anna Milligan
Jennifer Pittman
Jim Seitz
Aviva Wulfsohn
* indicates ex-officio members
South Bend Alumni Association Staff

Kris Arizmendi Choinacky
Executive Director
In May 2022, the SBAA welcomed our new Executive Director, Kris Arizmendi Choinacky! Kris is no stranger to South Bend, born and raised here. She is an alumna of Washington High School. Kris continued her undergraduate education at Holy Cross College and University of Indianapolis and holds a Masters of Nonprofit Administration from the University of Notre Dame. Kris has over 15 years of professional experience in the nonprofit sector, as well as many years of community engagement and volunteer work. Kris has a deep passion for the South Bend community through her advocacy and involvement with local boards and committees.

Kara O'Malley
Office Manager
Kara O’Malley grew up in the Chicago suburbs and first came to South Bend as an undergrad at Notre Dame. After graduating with a degree in accounting, she worked for a decade in churches in both South Bend and Boston before becoming a stay at home parent for her young children. Kara was excited to start work at the SBAA in 2023 in a position that combines her experience with non-profit work and her business degree. In her spare time, Kara sings with the South Bend Chamber Singers, pursuing the love of music that was first fostered through extracurriculars in her youth.

Emily McClements
Event Coordinator
Emily McClements grew up in West Michigan, attended college in the Chicago suburbs, and has lived in the South Bend area for 20 years. She has four children, two of whom currently attend South Bend schools and enjoy many extra-curricular activities. She served on the HOF Planning committee in the fall of 2023 and stepped into the part-time position of Event Coordinator in November. She is excited to work on events which will further the mission and impact of SBAA and increase community connections.
